Zoo tots
Join us for an exciting education program!
Zoo Tots Information
Zoo Tots combines self-guided exploratory play with structured learning activities. Children can enjoy crafts, sensory bins, and educational stations during free play, followed by circle time, sing-alongs, and an up-close animal encounter. Each Zoo Tots session incorporates play-based activities designed to encourage observation, exploration, and discovery, fostering a love for science and learning in young minds.
Zoo Tots classes are designed for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers, providing an opportunity to engage together in hands-on learning and exploration.
Each class lasts approximately one hour, with some sessions including outdoor activities in the zoo (weather permitting). Due to the size and structure of the program, additional adults are not allowed.
classes:
A IS FOR ANIMAL
FEBRUARY 12 & 13
Join us for a playful, hands-on adventure through the alphabet! In A is for Animal, little learners will explore the letter A through songs, stories, and animal-themed activities Children will practice early literacy skills, strengthen motor development, and spark curiosity about animals!
B IS FOR BEAR
February 19 & 20
Join us for a playful, hands-on adventure through the alphabet! In B is for Bear, little learners will explore the letter B through songs, stories, and animal-themed activities. Children will practice early literacy skills, strengthen motor development, and spark curiosity about animals—especially the zoo’s brown bears!
C IS FOR CATERPILLAR
February 26 & 27
Join us for a playful, hands-on adventure through the alphabet! In C is for Caterpillar, little learners will explore the letter C through songs, stories, movement, and animal-themed activities. Children will practice early literacy skills, strengthen motor development, and spark curiosity about animals—especially about caterpillars!
D is for Duck
MARCH 5 & 6
Join us for a playful, hands-on adventure through the alphabet! In D is for Duck, little learners will explore the letter D through songs, stories, movement, and animal-themed activities. Children will practice early literacy skills, strengthen motor development, and spark curiosity about animals—especially quacking ducks!
Animal Shapes
MARCH 19 & 20
Little learners will discover shapes in a wild and wonderful way! In Animal Shapes, children will explore circles, squares, triangles, and more through animal-themed games, stories, songs, and hands-on activities. From spotting shapes on animal bodies to creating shape art, this playful class helps build early math and observation skills while encouraging movement, creativity, and curiosity about animals.
Zookeeper
MARCH 26 & 27
Step into the role of a zookeeper for the day! In Zookeepers, young animal lovers will learn how zoo staff care for animals through imaginative play, stories, songs, and hands-on activities. Children will practice feeding animals, cleaning habitats, and animal check-ups while building empathy, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.
opposites
April 9 & 10
Explore the wild world of opposites! In Opposites, little learners will discover concepts like big and small, fast and slow, loud and quiet through animal-themed stories, songs, and hands-on activities. By comparing different animals and how they move, sound, and live, children build early language and thinking skills while having fun.
Hiss, purr & roar
April 16 & 17
Get ready to make some noise! In Hiss, Purr & Roar, young learners will explore the different sounds animals make through interactive stories, songs, and hands-on activities. Children will practice listening, matching sounds to animals, and using their own voices as they learn about animal communication in a fun, playful way.
nocturnal wanderers
april 23 & 24
Discover what happens when the sun goes down! In Nocturnal Wanderers, little explorers will learn about animals that are awake at night through stories, songs, movement, and hands-on activities. Children will explore concepts like day and night, light and dark, and how nocturnal animals use their senses to navigate the world.
Registration Information
Classes are priced at $10–$12, depending on the session. The registration fee covers one child (ages 2–5) and one adult caregiver.
Due to the size and format of Zoo Tots, additional adults cannot attend. However, exceptions will be made for infants accompanying adults who can fully participate with their registered child.
Class Size
Class sizes are limited to 12 participants to ensure a quality experience for everyone.
To best accommodate all Zoo Tot participants, unregistered children cannot attend. While younger or older children are welcome to register, please note that the program is designed for ages 2 to 5 and may not include age-appropriate activities for those outside this range.
Location & Check in
Location: Roosevelt Park Zoo’s visitor center auditorium.
Check in: Auditorium doors will open 5 minutes before class starts.
Cancellations/refunds
Cancellations and date changes must be requested at least two weeks before the scheduled program. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made within two weeks of the program date or for missed classes. Payments for missed sessions will be treated as a donation to the zoo.
Contact Us
Hours
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Address
1219 Burdick Expressway E
Minot, ND 58701
Call us
Telephone:
701-857-4166